04/12/2011 - Energy and Environment Advisory CommissionMINUTES OF THE EAGAN
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
APRIL 12, 2011
A regular meeting of the Eagan Energy and Environment Advisory Commission was held on Tuesday,
April 12, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. Those present were James Casper, Bruce Goff, Jeff LeClair, Amir Nadav,
Wade Olsen and Kari Palmer. Absent was Salman Mitha. Also present was Assistant to the City
Administrator Miller.
AGENDA
The Commission added three additional items to the agenda under Staff/Cormnissioner Report: Recap of
Meeting on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Report; Showcase Eagan; and Sperry Wind Tower
Report.
LeClair made a motion to approve the agenda as amended. Palmer seconded the motion. All members
voted in favor.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Casper made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 10, 2011 regular meeting of the Energy and
Environment Commission as presented. LeClair seconded the motion. All members voted in favor.
There were no visitors to be heard.
VISITORS TO BE HEARD
COMMUNICATION UPDATE
Miller stated per the request of the Commission, a communications update has been added as a standing
agenda item to announce and discuss communication initiatives within the City addressing issues pertaining
to the EEAC.
Miller further stated the City's participation in the GreenStep Cities Program was referenced in the
March/April Experience Eagan newsletter and also a message will appear this month on the City Hall
electronic reader board congratulating Eagan on being named a GreenStep City.
PRESENTATION: DAKOTA VALLEY RECYCLING (DVR)
Goff stated staff from Dakota Valley Recycling (DVR) was present to provide an overview of the services
provided by the DVR.
Susan Bast introduced herself and gave an overview of the 3 -city partnership of the DVR consisting of
Apple Valley, Burnsville and Eagan. She stated the partnership reduces duplication of services and acts as
a liaison to Dakota County and the State of Minnesota. She also stated the cities learn from each other and
the partnership helps expand grant and program opportunities.
Anne Olson, DVR Environmental Technician, introduced herself and discussed the DVR's role in topics
such as recycling and waste reduction, waste disposal, hazardous waste, compost and organics,
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April 12, 2011
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sustainability and purchasing envirommentally. She also discussed the DVR's role in educating residents,
businesses and organizations of the 3- cities.
Leigh Behrens introduced herself and stated her involvement is in business /commercial recycling. She
gave an overview of the ARROW Program – Awards For Recycling Of Waste, which is a free and
voluntary program for businesses, institutions and non - profit organizations. She also stated the City of
Eagan has approximately 43 businesses that participate in the program.
Staff from the DVR answered the Cormnissions questions. Staff further discussed the ARROW Program,
organics and organized collections.
RECAP OF MEETING ON GREENHOUSE GAS EFFORTS
Palmer introduced the item stating Commissioner Nadav, Assistant to the City Administrator Miller and
she attended a meeting of the Dakota County Physical Development Committee regarding the Dakota
County Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Report. Palmer gave an overview of
the meeting and a brief recap of the continents she made on the City's and Commission's behalf.
SHOWCASE EAGAN
Miller stated that Showcase Eagan will take place on Thursday, June 2, 2011 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the
Eagan Civic Arena. She further stated a table has been reserved for the Energy and Environment
Committee and that approximately 50 groups have already submitted applications to have displays. The
Committee discussed how they would like to participate in the event.
SPERRY WIND TOWER WIND GENERATION REPORT
Miller introduced the item as a follow -up with the Commission stating that data is still be taken and
compiled on wind power fiom the Sperry. She stated she will continue to follow -up with additional
information and pursue an updated report.
TRAIL CONNECTION POLICY
Miller introduced the item, stating at the request of the Commission at the February 10 meeting, she
included in their packet a copy of Eagan's Community Trail System — Connections to Commercial Areas
Policy that was adopted on January 18, 2011.
The Commission discussed the policy. Miller stated she will get additional information on prioritizing trail
connections and implementation of grant money and how it can be used.
GREENCORP APPLICATION
Miller stated the City of Eagan, in partnership with Dakota Valley Recycling and the City of Burnsville, is
submitting an application to be a host site for a GreenCorp volunteer in 201 1 -2012. Miller noted
Minnesota GreenCorps is an environmentally - focused AmeriCorps program and places AmeriCorps
members with organizations around the state to spend a year of service addressing environmental issues,
while gaining experience and job skills.
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Miller explained that the DVR and City of Eagan are proposing that a GreenCorp volunteer could assist
both agencies with outreach efforts in the areas of sustainability and energy conservation, while assisting
the City with GreenStep projects. Miller noted the application will be submitted in May and the host sites
will be selected this summer for placement from September 2011 through August 2012.
JOINT MEETING WITH THE CITY COUNCIL / JUNE 14
Miller stated a joint meeting with the City Council is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at
5:30 p.m., followed by their regular scheduled meeting at 7 :00 p.m. She stated the purpose of the joint
meeting is to dialogue about the Commission's proposed 2011 -2012 work plan, which could include
recommended next steps as part of the GreenStep City program.
ROUNDTABLE
Miller stated that staff from the City's Water Quality Division and Dakota County's Environment Office
are interested in presenting to the Commission at a future meeting.
The Cornrnission discussed additional environmental and energy sustainability issues, such as rainwater
collection, compost bins, and energy costs /rebates for vending machines in commercial settings and
schools.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion by LeClair, seconded by Olsen the meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. All members
voted in favor.
DATE
SECRETARY